One setting in Scotland created a dedicated block-play area so children could fully immerse themselves in the imaginative activity, discovers Annette Rawstrone
Block play inspires children to try new things.
Block play inspires children to try new things.

Block play is a staple in Early Learning and Childcare Centres in West Dunbartonshire, Scotland, where the children have opportunities to experience high-quality block play at nursery.

Project leaders Jennifer Gilchrist and Michaela McCune wanted to expand this practice beyond nursery and demonstrate how block play is a beneficial resource for four- and five-year-olds when they transition from early years settings to school.

They gained a practice development grant from the Froebel Trust to introduce a new block-play area in the Primary One class at Dalreoch Primary School in Dumbarton in 2022 – with the aim of developing children’s vocabulary through symbolic play following the pandemic.

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